“Keith, Isabelle & I went walking for nearly two hours, as the afternoon was beautiful.“ Sunday, February 9, 1947
9 Sun. On account of fuel shortage all Protestant Churches had joint services in the theatre this morn. Our Choir sang. Rev Ashley (Anglican) spoke very well. Keith, Isabelle & I went walking for nearly two hours, as the afternoon was beautiful. Snow is terrible. We walked right up to a house roof, where bank was up over front. Went to back suite awhile, then ate dinner downstairs. Real good. Were desperate to know what to do tonight. No Church. Listened to radio at house, then went back downtown & had sodas. Keith stayed until about 2.
10 Mon. Everyday, Keith thinks he will be going home, but didn’t go today, as Archie & Phil Bacon came in, so he is going tomorrow. I practiced & cleaned up, then we went to the late show, “Night & Day.” A musical. Fairly good. Wonderful scenery. Marg & Gord were away, so we went up there & snuggled the Chesterfield a couple of hours. Keith says the nicest things to me. He told me I was sweet & keeps talking about me being his wife some day.
11 Tues. Wilf got back today. I went home to dinner by the suite. Keith’s lips seem to be just as nice in the daytime as at night. He walked up to the house. I was feeling rather miserable today. I hated to say goodbye to him. I must be in love. C.C.Y.M. Valentine Party tonight. Just 2 boys there, but lots of fun. Played games, etc. Gossip Column.
12 Wed. Another beautiful day. I had my lesson, then slept from 3 until 5.45. Bowled early. We won 3 points, though I didn’t get my average back. Washed stockings, set my hair, & put a plaster on an inside corn which has been bothering me terribly.
13 Thurs. Real nice, but turned colder this aft. Keith phoned me at noon. Pleasant surprise. Said it took them 4 hours to go home on Tues. Also said he likes my letters. I went to the Doctor about my corn. He froze my toe & cut it out. Was terribly painful for half the afternoon. I could hardly walk. Got better before I came home, though I can’t get my shoe on. Stayed in this evening.
14 Fri. Can’t get my shoe on today. Foot is pretty sore. Limp backed & forth to work, though Mr. Stewart took me in car this morn. Isabelle went home on Wednesday, so I was alone tonight, as Doris was out. I washed my woolens etc. My foot hurts when I am on it. I set my hair tonight. Read a little before going to bed.
15 Sat. Beautiful day. Our whole family came to town. It was swell to see them all, but seemed so short. We had dinner in the Commercial. First I have seen Mom since Dec. 27th. Went to Dr. & Had bandage taken off my foot. He didn’t put another one back on. Is & I stayed downtown. Had lunch at Comm. Went to the show “Green Years,” with Tom Drake, Charles Coburn. Fairly good. Did a lot of odd jobs when we got home.
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These are the diaries of a seventeen-year-old teenager from a farm near Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Her name is Lorraine. She eventually was a church organist in Colgate. In 1944 she was the piano player for a dance band in Weyburn. In these days before school busses she, and her sisters, each had to move from the farm into town to attend school for Grades 11 & 12. This is the darkest time in World War II. Weyburn hosted an airbase for BCATP (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan). In other words, the town is filled with eligible young airmen from all over the world …
For more information on BCATP see a blog site dedicated to “Paying homage to those who stayed behind to train those who fought overseas.